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Speaker cables for Wilson Sophia 3

Good Day,

I've recently upgraded from Kef 205/2 to Wilson Sophia 3. Firstly, i'd like to share my initial experience on the Sophia 3
Secondly, I'm looking for opinions on speaker cables which will work best with these speakers. However, I'm not looking for a pair of cable which will cost as much as my speakers!

Wilson Sophia 3: IMHO, they're awesome speakers and they're a big step forward comparing to the Kef 205/2 (worth the upgrade!). They're very balance from top to bottom. However, I need to crank-up the volume to get them going. I highly recommend the Sophia 3

Speaker cables: I'm currently using Grover Sx speaker cables. They sound good on the Sophia 3 but I don't think they're "the one" SCs for the Sophia 3!
Wilson has replied to my email to confirm Transparent was used for internal wiring. However, I’m reluctant to purchase cables with network boxes (purest signal path is the path with nothing in between!?)
Can experienced Wilson users recommend a few cables brand?

Also for future ref. what will be the best cdp to go with the Sophia 3!? Should I go with integrate or transport, dac and clock. I'm leaning toward Antelope Gold Dac+PSU+ Clock or Lessloss DAC+CEC

My system:
Wilson Sophia 3
McIntosh MC501
Audio Research Ref 3
Primare CD 31 (with Analogue section heavily mod)
Linn LP12, Dynavector 17D3, Ittok, Lingo
Linn Uphorik
Grover Huffman Sx SCs
Nordost Quatro Fil ICs
LessLoss Sig. PCs on mono blocks which are feed by Weizhi PRS6
Stefan Audio Art PCs on cdp and pre which are feed by Shunyata Hydra 2
TG Audio Black & White 9awg to feed into Weizhi and Shunyata
Vibra Pods & cones on cdp, pre and tt
Custom Hifi stand using thick mdf and steel rods!
Music pref. mainly Jazz and classical

Regards,
primare_cd31
primare_cd31
samhar
1,048 posts
 
What is your price range?
rockitman's avatar
rockitman
417 posts
 
I think you need to try the Transparent. I too am suspect of the junction box type speakers wire systems, but have no real first hand knowlege on my system using them. I own Wilson W/P 8's and use Siltech speaker wire (LS-180). Siltech has very balanced sounding cables but are awfully expensive. I bought my pair cheap used from a dealer...50% less than the new retail going rate. I would consider the cable company (cable) audition program...it's a bit of a pain, but it's important to have the right cable match with your speaker and power amp(s). When I first got me W/P's I used my old speaker wire...Wire World Eclipse 3. They sounded great on My Aerial 10t's, but sound like crap on my wilsons...
audiooracle
387 posts
 

Your assessment of the KEF vs the Wilson's is interesting, but if your KEF's weren't producing enough bass then the KEF's would sound thin and bright. Personally I think the Kef's image better and are more coherent than the Wilson's.

The 205.2 aren't known for producing Wilson level bass, the 207.2 are known for their deep bass response.

There are many good speaker cable recommendations depending on price range. Looking at your system I would upgrade both your interconnects and speaker cables. The Nordost Quttrofill cable doesn't sound anywhere as good as the new Norse series cables which are much more transparent.

It depends on the tuning of the system, the MAC amp is warm the ARC is not, the modified Primare is hard to know what that sound like. So it will come down to tuning and the taste of what the sound you want is.

If you want great clarity go with Norodst Frey interconnects and Speaker Cable. Great bang for the buck range. More transparent is the Tyr which is very similar to Valhalla.
The Nordost have a huge sound stage as well. If you want more warmth look to the new Cardas series of cabling. I would stay away from Network cables with a Mac amp, way too muffled sounding.

If you want a warm sound with a very organic feel go with Kubala Sosna Emotion series.

You should get rid of the vibrapods they make equipment sound soft.
kana813
956 posts
 
I've also been looking for SCs for my S3s and was thinking
about trying the Grover Huffman SCs since they can be returned.

What do you think is missing with the Grover Huffman Sx SCs?

On your digital upgrade, I'd go for a DAC with a computer
interface.
stanwal's avatar
stanwal
3,147 posts
 
My friend uses Cardas GR on his Sasha; I also use it on my Gamut L5s. Transparent Reference might well be the best at a considerable increase in price.
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